Water, carbonated, plain
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Carbonated water is plain water infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure, creating a lively, effervescent texture with a crisp, clean taste and a subtle tang. It contains zero calories, protein, carbohydrates, fats, or sugars, making it a purely hydrating beverage. Its signature fizz comes from the formation of carbonic acid, which provides a refreshing bite without any nutritional impact.
💚 Why it's loved
People love it for the satisfying sensory experience of the bubbles and the clean, thirst-quenching taste that feels more 'special' than plain water. It's a versatile base for mocktails and a culturally ingrained choice for meals in many regions, often perceived as a sophisticated, calorie-free indulgence.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Some individuals may experience bloating, gas, or discomfort from the increased carbonation, particularly those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or acid reflux. To mitigate this, try drinking it slowly rather than gulping, choose a smaller serving, or let it go slightly flat before consuming. It can also temporarily erode tooth enamel due to its mild acidity; counteract this by drinking it with meals, using a straw, and rinsing your mouth with plain water afterward.
Key benefits
- Provides hydration identical to still water
- Can aid in digestion and relieve indigestion
- Offers a satisfying alternative to sugary sodas
- May help promote a feeling of fullness temporarily
- Contains no calories, sugars, or additives
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The first commercial bottling of carbonated water was patented in 1767 by Joseph Priestley, who discovered the method by suspending a bowl of water over a beer vat at a local brewery in Leeds, England.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 99.9 g |
| Energy | 0.00 kcal |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.00 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.00 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 5.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.01 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 1.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 0.00 mg |
| Potassium, K | 2.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 21.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.10 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.00 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.00 mg |
| Niacin | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is carbonated water as hydrating as still water?
Yes, for most people, plain carbonated water is just as hydrating as still water. The carbonation does not affect its ability to hydrate your body.
Can carbonated water damage your teeth?
The carbonation creates a mild carbonic acid, making it slightly more acidic than still water. While it's far less erosive than sugary sodas or fruit juices, frequent sipping throughout the day could contribute to enamel wear over time.
Does carbonated water cause bone loss?
No. Studies have found no link between plain carbonated water and reduced bone density. The concern about bone loss is associated with cola drinks, which contain phosphoric acid, not the carbonation itself.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 10.50 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.